BTS delivers bold message from U.S. tour following Grammy boycott

BTS has once again made their voices heard in the heart of the United States. On their first North American tour stage since announcing a boycott of the Grammy Awards, the group expressed their convictions through meaningfully altered lyrics, drawing passionate support from their global fandom, ARMY.

On Jan. 1–2 (local time), BTS held the North American leg of their 'BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’' at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Attracting approximately 157,000 spectators over the two days, this performance was evaluated as more than just a concert; it was a stage symbolizing the shifts in the global music industry surrounding K-pop and the path BTS has walked.

In particular, this stage drew even greater attention as it was the first official performance held after all members of BTS announced their intention not to attend the Grammy Awards via their personal SNS on Jan. 29.

- A single line of message delivered by RM

The most talked-about moment of the day was RM's performance of 'MIC Drop.'

During the rap part toward the end of the song, RM modified the original lyrics and shouted the following:

“Haters will keep hating, and we will just live our lives enjoying ourselves. We were Born in Korea. That's why they don't know us well.”

While the original song expressed an attitude of overcoming criticism and prejudice with the message “Haters gon’ hate, Players gon’ play,” this performance added the phrase “Born in Korea,” making their starting point and identity even clearer.

This was interpreted as a message containing the experiences of BTS, who have challenged the center of the global music market as non-English speaking artists for a long time, going beyond a simple performance.

It was an expression in their own way of the reality that while music starting from Korea has gained global influence, boundaries of language and region still exist in certain perspectives.

- ARMY responds, "We respect BTS's choice"

Fans attending the venue responded to RM's changed lyrics with thunderous cheers.

Placards with messages supporting BTS appeared throughout the venue, and fans sent messages stating they respect the artists' choices and advocate for evaluations without discrimination through music.

BTS had previously announced their Grammy boycott, stating, "We have decided not to submit for the Grammys this year," and adding, "We hope that music can be heard and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language."

This decision came after the Recording Academy, which hosts the Grammys, announced it would establish new categories, such as 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance,' starting from the next awards ceremony.

- Grammys' position: "An expansion to highlight Asian music"

Following BTS's boycott announcement, the Grammy side also released a statement.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. explained the creation of the Asian Pop category as being "to celebrate the depth, diversity, and incredible growth of pop art emerging from Asia," adding, "It is not an attempt to segregate specific music, but an expansion to shine a light on more artists."

However, the critical awareness raised by BTS goes beyond the simple matter of participating in a specific awards ceremony.

While the influence of K-pop in the global music market has grown, debates continue regarding how non-English music should be evaluated within global standards.

- The question posed by BTS: "Who needs whom?"

BTS's recent move is closer to a question regarding the structure and perspectives of the global music industry rather than a display of their own success.

Throughout their journey, BTS has ascended to the world stage by turning Korean lyrics, Korean identity, and their background as artists from Asia into their own unique weapons rather than weaknesses.

The shout of "Born in Korea" echoing through MetLife Stadium was not just a single sentence.

It was a declaration from artists who reached the top of the world by overcoming numerous prejudices and boundaries, affirming their starting point while simultaneously demanding a broader musical world.

Through this world tour, BTS is showing once again that K-pop is no longer on the periphery of the global music market, but stands at the center, creating a new order.